Perioperative death: a critical reflection-on-action.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare
• Psychology
• Surgical Care

Background:

• Perioperative death is an infrequent but significant event in UK operating theatres.
• Healthcare practitioners involved in perioperative care often face challenges in processing grief after patient mortality.
• Existing support structures may not adequately address the emotional needs of perioperative teams following adverse outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of patient death in the operating theatre on perioperative practitioners.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of clinical supervision as a tool for facilitating grief and reflection among perioperative staff.
• To identify strategies for supporting healthcare professionals dealing with perioperative mortality.

Main Methods:

• Utilized clinical supervision sessions as a primary method for intervention.
• Employed a critical reflective approach within the supervision framework.
• Focused on the experiences of perioperative practitioners after a patient death occurred in the operating theatre.

Main Results:

• Clinical supervision provided a dedicated space for perioperative practitioners to address their experiences with patient death.
• The reflective approach enabled a structured processing of emotions and critical analysis of the event.
• Practitioners reported benefits in coping mechanisms and professional development through the supervision process.

Conclusions:

• Clinical supervision is a valuable intervention for supporting perioperative practitioners after patient mortality.
• Facilitating critical reflection through supervision aids in the grieving process and enhances professional resilience.
• Implementing robust support systems is crucial for the well-being of operating theatre teams facing patient deaths.